Alexandra Eastland Celebration Scholarship

Everyone who met Alex learned a lot from her example. She taught us to be curious, take risks, and let passion colour everything we do. When Alex had a dream to learn more about fundraising in the US, she packed her hiking boots and took an internship in Colorado. She taught us that anything worth doing is worth laughing about, and that humour is the highest form of sincerity. She taught us every act can make the world a better place.

Alex was a fundraiser who found immense joy in philanthropy. After completing her Humber Fundraising Management internship, Alex returned to Toronto and worked in health care. There, she raised funds to support elders and ensure their wellbeing and dignity as they aged. Later, she moved to the education sector. She started on a one-year contract, but once the team met Alex, they didn’t want to let her go; she remained at the university for the rest of her career, connecting donors with projects to advance higher education.

Alex was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia at the age of 32. In typical Alex fashion, she took her rigorous treatments in stride, staying in touch with her many friends and loved ones from her treatment bed, and always welcoming a silly picture or audio book recommendation. She wrote eloquent blog posts about her experiences, generously sharing her unique and hopeful perspective. When she passed on July 24, 2021, we lost one of this world’s brightest points of light. We are privileged to remember her. This scholarship exists to honour and continue Alex’s commitment to higher education, social justice, and generosity.